2. Get a Windows disk image

You need a Microsoft Windows disk image (ISO) or installation media containing a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows 10 Home or Pro edition. If you're installing Windows for the first time, use a full version, not an upgrade.

When you buy Windows, it comes as a disk image file (ISO) that you download, or as an installation disc or USB flash drive. If you download Windows, make sure that you do so only from the Microsoft Software Download page. If your copy of Windows came on a DVD, you might need to create a disk image of it to work with Boot Camp. If your version of Windows came on a USB flash drive, you can download an ISO from Microsoft.

3. Open Boot Camp Assistant

Boot Camp Assistant guides you through installing Windows on your Mac. Open this app from the Utilities folder inside the Applications folder. Then follow the onscreen instructions to repartition your startup disk and download related software drivers for Windows.

4. Format your Windows partition

When you complete the assistant, your Mac restarts to the Windows installer. If you're using a flash drive or optical drive to install Windows, you're asked where you want to install Windows. Select the BOOTCAMP partition, then click Format. If you're not using a flash drive or optical drive, the correct partition is selected and formatted for you automatically.

5. Install Windows and Windows Support Software

Unplug any external devices, such as displays and disks, that aren't necessary during installation. Then follow the onscreen prompts to install Windows.

When installation is complete, your Mac starts up in Windows and launches an installer for Windows Support Software. If the screen that says "Welcome to the Boot Camp installer" doesn't appear automatically, you can install Windows Support Software manually.

6. Switch between macOS and Windows

After installing both Windows and Windows Support Software, you can switch back to macOS using the Boot Camp system tray item in Windows. Select the macOS volume, then restart your Mac.

To switch from macOS to Windows, use the Startup Disk preference pane to select the Boot Camp volume, then restart your Mac. You can also hold down the Option key after restarting your Mac to choose between macOS and Windows.

Learn more

With OS X El Capitan 10.11 or later, these models use the internal drive to temporarily store what you need to install Windows, so you don't need a USB flash drive:

MacBook Pro (2015 and later)*

MacBook Air (2015 and later)*

MacBook (2015 and later)

iMac (2015 and later)

iMac Pro

Mac Pro (Late 2013)

For more information about using Windows on your Mac, click the Open Boot Camp Help button in Boot Camp Assistant. These resources also contain helpful information:

* These Mac models were offered with 128GB hard drives as an option. Hard drives of 256GB or more are recommended for the best experience.

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